Beyond the Leather: Interview with Honey Davenport (Special Mindfully Gay Episode) — Mindfully Gay Podcast

Beyond the Leather: Honey Davenport on Belonging, Identity & Community

What does it really mean to belong? Can simply showing up as your authentic self inspire someone else to do the same? And what can the leather, kink, and fetish communities teach us about acceptance, inclusion, and finding our people?

In this special episode of the Mindfully Gay Podcast, host John Cottrell sits down with Honey Davenport, International Mr. Leather 2026, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation recorded at Salt Lake City Leather Pride on October 18, 2026.

As the reigning International Mr. Leather, Honey represents one of the most recognized titles in LGBTQ+ leather culture. But beyond the sash, the competition, and the traditions of the leather community lies a much more meaningful mission: creating spaces where people feel safe, welcomed, respected, and free to be themselves.

Honey shares a personal journey into leather culture, including the mentorship of leather father Will Weaver and the supportive relationships formed through the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert. These experiences helped shape an understanding of community leadership, personal identity, and the importance of creating a sense of belonging for others.

Throughout the interview, John and Honey explore the history and evolving identity of the LGBTQ+ leather community, challenging common misconceptions about masculinity, kink, fetish culture, and who truly belongs in these spaces.

Honey offers a particularly powerful perspective on diversity within leather culture. Rather than viewing the growing representation of different identities and expressions as a departure from tradition, Honey sees this diversity as the very outcome of the freedom and acceptance that earlier generations fought to establish.

The conversation takes a meaningful turn when John admits that, although he has always been curious about leather culture, he sometimes feels like an outsider. Honey responds with a simple but profound message: when community is done right, everyone belongs.

But how do we find that sense of belonging when we’re hesitant to step into unfamiliar spaces?

For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially gay men seeking meaningful friendships and connection beyond dating apps and social media, this question feels particularly relevant. Honey offers a surprisingly practical answer: start with service.

Volunteer. Show up early. Offer to help. Contribute something, no matter how small. By participating in the life of a community, we begin to build the relationships and connections we may have been searching for all along.

In this interview, John and Honey discuss:

The meaning and responsibility of becoming International Mr. Leather 2026
LGBTQ+ visibility, representation, and the power of authentic self-expression
The history, traditions, and evolving diversity of leather, kink, and fetish culture
Breaking stereotypes about masculinity and identity within the gay community
How mentorship and chosen family create safety and belonging
Why inclusion and acceptance are essential to healthy LGBTQ+ communities
Overcoming social anxiety and the fear of entering unfamiliar community spaces
How volunteering and acts of service can lead to meaningful friendships
The importance of unity, respectful dialogue, and community leadership

At its heart, this conversation is about much more than leather. It’s about the universal human desire to be seen, valued, and connected.

Whether you’re part of the leather community, curious about LGBTQ+ culture, exploring your identity, or simply searching for deeper connections with others, Honey’s message offers an invitation to reconsider what belonging really means.

You don’t have to fit a particular mold to find your community. Sometimes, you just have to show up.

Join John Cottrell and Honey Davenport for a conversation about authenticity, visibility, LGBTQ+ pride, and the power of creating spaces where everyone has an opportunity to belong.

The Mindfully Gay Podcast is hosted by John Cottrell and Jerry Buie, bringing gay men together through honest conversations about identity, relationships, mindfulness, spirituality, personal growth, and LGBTQ+ community.

Listen and Connect:

Download and listen to the full audio episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Watch the video interview on YouTube at Mindfully Gay Podcast.

Follow Honey @honeydavenportofficial

Join the conversation on TikTok: @MindfullyGay

Visit MindfullyGay.com to learn about our upcoming free social events and opportunities to connect with other gay men.

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